Page 48 - FoodFocusThailand No.216 MARCH 2024

SMART PRODUCTION

2. Binders play a role in binding powder particles together as a disintegrant. However, at concentrations exceeding 20%,
and maintaining the integrity of tablets when subjected to it can also act as a diluent in conjunction with binders. The
compression forces. These binders may be water-soluble or choice of auxiliary substances in a formulation is influenced by
insoluble. Commonly used binders include lactose, starch and the chemical and physical properties of both active ingredients
its derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, polyvidone, and auxiliaries. For example, it is recommended to avoid using
povidone), copovidone (a polymer blend of PVP and polyvinyl magnesium stearate as a lubricant in formulations containing
acetate), sodium alginate, acacia (gum arabic), tragacanth, high quantities of acidic substances, such as ascorbic acid, as
maltodextrin, cellulose and its derivatives, such as methyl it may darken the color of the tablets . Furthermore, the chemical
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cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, reaction between acidic substances and magnesium stearate
hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and can lead to the formation of stearic acid, potentially hindering
MCC. the dissolution and absorption of active ingredients . Another
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3. Disintegrants play a crucial role in promoting the easy limitation of using magnesium stearate as a lubricant is that
disintegration of tablets. Typically, these substances exhibit excessive amounts may reduce tablet hardness due to its
excellent moisture absorption properties, resulting in swelling tendency to coat the surfaces of the powder blend or granules,
and/or disruption of the binding forces (wicking) among powder diminishing the binding forces between particles. Therefore, it
particles. Examples of disintegrants include MCC, sodium is advisable to use magnesium stearate in the lowest possible
carboxy starch, sodium alginate, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone quantity to achieve lubrication, and it should be mixed in the
(PVPP, crospovidone, cross-linked PVP, or insoluble polyvinyl final steps before compression. Examples of chewable tablet
pyrrolidone). In the production of chewable tablets, the use of formulations are presented in Tables 1-2.
disintegrants may not be necessary. However, surfactants or In the general production of tablets, there are two common
disintegrants with strong water absorption capabilities may be methods: 1) converting a blend of powdered ingredients into
employed to enhance the wetting of the active ingredient small particles called “granules” before compression, and 2)
powder. directly compressing the powder blend into tablets. The former,
4. Lubricants are substances that reduce frictional forces creating granules before compression, is a popular method
between the tablet and the walls of the compression cavity. because transforming powders into granules enhances the flow
They also help prevent the tablets from sticking to the die walls of the material into the compression tool, reducing variability in
during compression, facilitating the easy ejection of chewable tablet weight during each compression. Additionally, the higher
tablets from the cavity. Examples of commonly used lubricants density of granules compared to powder allows for better
include magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol (high packing of active and auxiliary substances. Granulation can be
molecular weight), and talcum (talc). achieved through wet or dry processes. In the wet granulation
5. Antiadherents are substances that prevent powder or method, the binding agent is in liquid form and is poured into
granules from adhering to the surfaces of the punches used in the powder blend of active and auxiliary substances. This results
tableting, resulting in tablets with smooth surfaces. Powder or in the formation of wet and clumpy powder with loose
granules with high moisture content tend to stick to the punch agglomeration. Subsequently, this wet powder is forced through
surfaces easily. Lubricants such as magnesium stearate and a sieve to form granules before undergoing the drying process.
talcum serve as effective antiadherents. The dried granules are then sieved to achieve the desired size,
6. Glidants improve the flow properties of powder blends and they are subsequently blended with auxiliary substances,
or granules by reducing resistance. In the manufacturing of including a glidant, before tableting. Modern technologies, such
products in large quantities, the use of glidants becomes as fluidized bed processing, expedite this process, enabling
necessary to ensure proper flow into the compression cavity. continuous production within the same machine from blending
If the flow of the powder blend or granules into the die is not to granulation and drying. This technology helps to reduce dust
uniform, it may lead to uneven tablet weights. Examples of and time consumption in the production process. On the other
commonly used glidants include silicon dioxide, talc, and hand, the dry granulation method does not involve liquid binders
magnesium stearate. or drying steps, making it suitable for substances sensitive to
7. Sweeteners are commonly used to mask the unpleasant moisture or heat.
taste of ingredients in formulations. These substances typically Chewable tablet products represent chewing aids for easier
include fillers that provide sweetness, such as sucrose, sorbitol, swallowing, catering to diverse demographics such as children,
xylitol, fructose, lactose, mannitol, isomalt, and dextrose, along the elderly, and individuals with dysphagia. However, a notable
with sweetening enhancers like acesulfame potassium, limitation of chewable tablets is that the product requires an
saccharin, aspartame, stevia, and sucralose. extended duration in the mouth before swallowing due to the
8. Flavors are essential components in chewable tablet chewing requirement. If the taste of the formulation is not
products. In addition to promoting the masking of undesirable pleasant, consumers may be less inclined to use the product.
tastes, they play a crucial role in enhancing the overall Therefore, in product development, considerations should
palatability of the product. Commonly favored flavors include extend beyond the physical and chemical stability and efficacy
mint, peppermint, and various fruit flavors. of the product to include strategies that enhance the taste
9. Colorants are used to enhance the visual appeal or and overall sensory experience for improved consumer
improve sensory perception, making the product more acceptance.
attractive.
It can be observed that certain auxiliary substances can
serve multiple purposes. For instance, MCC, when present at
a concentration range of 5-15% in the formulation, can function More Information Service Info C005

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